Abstract:Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), a common complication of acute pancreatitis, typically develop more than 4 weeks after the onset of the disease and are characterized by a mature encapsulating wall. PFC includes pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) and walled-off necrosis (WON), with reported incidence rates of 5%–16% and 1%–9%, respectively. While asymptomatic PFC may resolve spontaneously and can be managed conservatively, clinical intervention is required when symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever arise, or complications like infection or hemorrhage occur. The introduction of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the late 1990s marked the advent of minimally invasive approaches for PFC management. EUS-guided drainage offers real-time imaging, precise targeting, and high safety and efficacy, achieving technical success rates exceeding 95% and clinical success rates ranging from 85.3% to 94.6%. It has now become the first-line drainage modality for PFC. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), a recent advancement in EUS-guided drainage, feature a unique dumbbell-shaped design and larger diameter, significantly enhancing drainage efficiency and establishing a stable pathway for direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). These advantages have led to their widespread adoption in PFC management. However, adverse events (AEs) associated with LAMS placement, such as stent migration, infection, and bleeding, remain a concern. Further evaluation of their long-term safety and efficacy is warranted, and optimal strategies for long-term stent management, including timing of removal, require additional investigation. This review systematically summarizes the current applications of LAMS in PFC drainage, highlights clinical challenges, and provides evidence-based insights to guide future practice.